Phenolic Composition in Different Genotypes of Guabiju Fruits (Myrcianthes pungens) and Their Potential as Antioxidant and Antichemotactic Agents

Abstract

Fruits of Myrcianthes pungens Berg. Legr. (Myrtaceae), known as guabiju, are widely consumed fresh as well as dried, processed into jam, marmalade, and juices. In this study, chemical composition and antichemotactic and antioxidant activities of fruits from a wild type (GB) and 2 genotypes, PL2 and PL1, of guabiju were investigated. Total anthocyanins for the genotypes ranged from 334 to 531 mg/100 g dry weight (dwt). Total flavonoids and polyphenols ranged from 79.8 to 154 mg/100 g and 2438 to 4613 mg/100 g (dwt), respectively. A reversed phase liquid chromatography method with photodiode array detection was used to determine chemical profiles of the main anthocyanins found in the extracts. An HPLC method for the quantification of flavonoids is proposed, providing a simple procedure with rapid sample preparation. All samples contained 5 identical anthocyanidins, distributed differently, with cyanidin as the main compound. Identified flavonoids were quercitrin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin; their relative amounts varied among the extracts. The antioxidant activity of guabiju methanolic extract was comparable to that of Trolox, and at a test concentration of 0.25 mg/mL, GB and PL2 activities were higher than those exhibited by Trolox. Total dry extracts of guabiju exhibited greater inhibition of chemotaxis at a concentration of 4 μg/mL, except for GBH (wild-type hydrolyzed extract) which already presented high values at a concentration of 2 μg/mL. These results suggest that the consumption of this fruit, rich in polyphenols, may be beneficial to human health. Practical Application: The paper is the first attempt on the improvement of this native fruit, since it is widely consumed regularly as part of the South American diet. The content of phenolic compounds demonstrates that consumption of guabiju would be beneficial to human health. Differences among samples, originating from open pollination of plants growing on the same site, lead to the conclusion that improvements can be made in the chemical composition and beneficial activity of guabiju fruits by simply selecting genotypes for these characteristics among open-pollinated seedlings.

Phytochemical profile and gastroprotective potential of Myrcianthes pungens fruits and leaves

“…Desoti et al [15] evaluated the methanol crude extract of M. pungens fruits and identified tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and alkaloids in its composition. Andrade et al [10] identified anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids and also showed antioxidant activity. Nora [11] identified anthocyanins and carotenoids (β-carotene), as well as antioxidant activity of methanolic fruit extract.…”

“…pungens fruits have high dietary fiber content, sugar, and protein, with low acidity and sweet taste. It has anthocyanins and high level of carotenoids and polyphenols, with antioxidant capacity [10,11]. In a recent study, the peel, pulp, and leaves of M. pungens presented a significant antinociceptive activity.…”

Protective effect of guabiju (Myrcianthes pungens (O. Berg) D. Legrand) and red guava (Psidium cattleyanum Sabine) against cisplatin-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

“…Many tropical and subtropical fruits are well known and the scientific basis for their consumption is well founded (Dube et al, 2004;Leontowicz et al, 2007). However, some others such as red guava and guabiju are practically unknown and have been investigated only in vitro (Andrade et al, 2011;Luximon-Ramma, Bahorun, Crozier, 2003;Pino, Marbot, Vázquez, 2001). We did not find any publications on studies of guabiju and red guava in vivo.…”

Chemical analysis, antioxidant, antichemotactic and monoamine oxidase inhibition effects of some pteridophytes from Brazil

“…[9] The dried ethanolic extracts dissolved in DMSO (final concentration of up to 1%) were assayed at concentrations of 0.01, 0.10, 1.0 and 10.0 μg/mL. Mangiferin was tested at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 50.0 and 100.0 μM and indometacin (50 μM) was used as the reference drug.…”